Amazon brings new jobs to Lancashire

The news that global brand Amazon is moving to Lancashire was welcomed today by business and civic leaders.

Amazon.com opened online in July 1995 and Amazon Logistics currently has 17 delivery stations in the UK.

Amazon coming here shows that we’re providing the right conditions to attract new businesses, which creates new jobs in the area.

County Coun Jennifer Mein

Now the company has confirmed that its new centre at Lancashire Business Park, off Centurion Way, Farington, will be open within weeks, directly employing 25 staff and providing work for about 250 drivers across 10 local firms.

North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Babs Murphy said: “We are delighted that a company of such international renown and standing has chosen the local area to establish a new delivery station.

“It’s a great boost for the area, not only in terms of recognition but also the number of jobs it will provide for local people.”

South Ribble Council leader Coun Margaret Smith, said: “South Ribble already boasts some world market leaders, and I’m delighted to be able to welcome another in Amazon. Businesses are eager to invest in the area thanks to our superb location with excellent accessibility and space to grow.

“We are enhancing our borough as a place to live, the skilled workforce in the area is expanding, and our growing customer base will bring new opportunities to businesses.

“That’s why we enjoy the best job creation rates in the North West, and I believe the arrival of Amazon is a further vote of confidence in South Ribble.”

County Coun Jennifer Mein, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “This is a big name business looking to base some of their operations on our business park.

“Amazon coming here shows that we’re providing the right conditions to attract new businesses, which creates new jobs in the area.

“We’re working closely with our partners on the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal to open up new opportunities for business. This is an exciting time for the area with major investment and new developments, along with improvements to the road network that are making it easier for people to get around and encouraging economic growth.”

Launched in 2012, Amazon Logistics is a technology and logistics platform that uses independent local, regional and national delivery companies across the UK to deliver Amazon parcels to customers every day of the week, including Sundays.

Earlier this year, Amazon announced that Sunday deliveries have grown by more than four times in the last year as more customers across the UK discover the benefits of receiving orders seven days a week.

The increase in Sunday deliveries has been made possible in large part due to the introduction of Amazon Logistics.

Jamie Stephenson, UK director for Amazon Logistics, said: “Amazon Logistics adds capacity and flexibility to Amazon’s delivery network, enabling us to meet the delivery needs of customers. Amazon Logistics is also helping independent local delivery companies to grow their businesses by providing state of the art technology to deliver Amazon orders.”

Amazon’s announcement comes just days after Leyland was sent into shock when long-established bus firm Fishwick’s ceased operating.

The firm crashed as a result of “significant cash flow issues”.

Administrators for the company said they had been unable to find a buyer.

Lindsey Cooper and Jeremy Woodside, of RSM Restructuring Advisory, have been appointed as administrators.

Stagecoach have taken over one route from Fishwick’s and it is hoped that other operators will take over others.